Dedication to El Chief (from Tumblr February 2012)

I wrote this post when I first opened a tumblr in January. Tumblr and I don't really get along... I just don't think I am hip enough for Tumblr. Oh well... I really only started a Tumblr to follow El Chief on his amazing journey this semester. I only knew him for a short time but he is truly a student who had and still has an amazing impact on my life. I am so grateful that we were able to keep in touch over the last 5 months. Wednesday, he finally returns and I can't wait to hear his stories and have some laughs. Welcome Home El Chief, you were truly missed: In a moment of teaching weakness I showed “The Freedom Writers Diary”. I added a pretty epic journal entry and even got the kids to discuss how they would break down walls. I immediately thought of El Chief. El Chief is a student of mine, well was a student of mine and is now off exploring the world. Today, I logged onto Tumblr and read his post and was immediately struck by something he said. He stated , “Despite the simplicity of the concept of “giving people a chance”, I believe that people, of all ages and walks of life, are still inherently quick to judge and tend to segregate themselves, which is a shame.” Well Chief… I guess my response would be- you are right. We do all judge. Confession: I judged you. I didn’t know you at first- I just knew what people had told me. But I told myself that we all need chances to give the true version of ourselves. And, I am sure that you judged me. Thats the beauty of our now friendship… It started somewhere we never thought it would. Some of the greatest treasures of life come when you least expect it. One of the wonders of my job is that I often learn just as much as I teach. Also, that when I get to help kids make sense of their world- mine makes more sense. Over the past 6 yeas of teaching I have met some of the most incredible people. People who have profoundly inspired and changed me. El Chief- you top that list… And here is why. Lesson #1: it is not how long someone is in your life, it is the time spent and the lessons learned. Lesson #2: you should never judge a book (or person) by the reviews of others. Lesson #3: teenagers are some of the bravest people in existence. Lesson #4: I am truly blessed … And can always use a reminder. Lesson #5: expand you circle, get to know people, and understand that there is good in ALL kinds of people Lesson #6: teaching is just as much about relationships as academics. Lesson #7: have some fun… So thanks, el chief. Continue to inspire, challenge, create and move. Faith. Wolflamb